Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder (dried botanical root)
Industry PositionBotanical ingredient for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical formulations
Market
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is native to Afghanistan and is widely reported as a wild-harvested medicinal plant, with noted high-quality origins in the Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif areas. Harvesting is commonly described as occurring during the dormancy period from October through February, after which roots are dried and may be cut, crushed, or milled into powder for ingredient trade. Afghanistan has recorded exports of medicinal/industrial plant materials under HS 1211 and also recorded exports of liquorice extracts under HS 1302 in UN Comtrade data, indicating an export-oriented supply base beyond purely domestic use. Trade execution can be disrupted by sanctions/counterparty compliance and by overland border and transit volatility affecting a landlocked exporter.
Market RoleNiche producer and exporter (predominantly wild-harvested botanical ingredient)
Domestic RoleTraditional domestic use as herbal tea/decoction and as a flavoring ingredient alongside export sales
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityWild licorice root harvesting is commonly reported during plant dormancy (October to February), with regional references to Herat and the Mazar-i-Sharif area.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighTransactions linked to sanctioned individuals/entities (e.g., SDN-listed Taliban/Haqqani Network) can halt trade and payments, and financial-institution de-risking can delay or block settlement even when Afghanistan is not comprehensively sanctioned.Run counterparty/ownership screening, use reputable compliant banks and intermediaries, document end-use/end-user, and seek OFAC guidance or licensing where applicable.
Logistics HighOverland border and transit disruptions (including prolonged Pakistan–Afghanistan border closures reported in late-2025 to early-2026) can create acute shipment delays and route-cost spikes for Afghan exports.Diversify routing options (e.g., alternative corridors where feasible), build lead-time buffers, and include force-majeure and delay-allocation clauses in sales contracts.
Sustainability MediumReported excessive root harvesting has contributed to declining licorice availability in Afghanistan, increasing the risk of supply volatility and reputational scrutiny for wild-sourced material.Require evidence of sustainable harvesting plans, restrict sourcing to approved collection areas/seasons, and support regeneration or managed cultivation programs where feasible.
Documentation Gap MediumExport shipments commonly require multiple documents (invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, quality control certificate, transit/transport documents); inconsistencies can delay customs processing and border transit.Use a pre-shipment document checklist aligned to ACCI and buyer requirements and perform cross-document reconciliation (weights, descriptions, origin statements) before dispatch.
Sustainability- Overharvesting pressure on wild licorice root populations has been explicitly reported, with warnings of sharp decline and risk of depletion without sustainable management.
FAQ
When is licorice root typically harvested in Afghanistan?Published references describe harvesting during plant dormancy, typically from October through February, with regional mentions including Herat and the Mazar-i-Sharif area.
What is the single biggest trade-blocking risk to consider when trading Afghan-origin licorice root powder?Sanctions and payments compliance is the most critical blocker: Afghanistan is not comprehensively sanctioned by OFAC, but transactions involving SDN-listed individuals or entities (including Taliban/Haqqani Network designations) are generally prohibited for U.S. persons and can cause banks to reject or delay payments.
Which export documents are commonly referenced for Afghan exporters to obtain from ACCI export services?ACCI export services list documents such as a packing list, business invoice, certificate of origin (including Form A / SAFTA variants where applicable), a quality control certificate, transit documentation where required, and a bill of lading or equivalent transport document.